Duck Hunt

This morning Billy and I set out to hunt some ducks on the Brazos River right below Possum Kingdom lake. With coffee in hand we left at 4:15 AM sharp in order to secure our spot on the river and get set up. When we arrived we geared up to face the brisk morning temperatures and began our descent into the river bottom. We slowly navigating the steep descent, battling the rocks while wearing waders with rubber boots. Once in the river bottom we hiked about 200 yards to a pocket where I have had success in the past. At this time the sun was beginning to crack the horizon. We needed to get set up quick. Billy and I began to throw out decoys, forming the U pattern with the landing strip facing into the wind. Ducks are smart birds. If something is just slightly off with your set up you can kiss your chances of a successful day goodbye. After wading into the chilly waters of the Brazos and setting out decoys, we found ourselves sitting on the bank waiting for the official time for sunrise. At 6:58 AM we were locked and loaded, surveying the sky around us in hopes of spotting birds in the distance. Around 20 minutes after sunlight we were blessed with some birds. I saw them cutting at lighting speed, following the winding turns of the river towards us. I reminded myself and Billy to keep our heads down and don't look at them. Ducks have an incredible ability to spot the whites of a hunter's eyes. If they do this you blow all chances of them landing in your spread. The ducks approached, about 5 or 6 in a small V. They made one lap around as if critiquing our spread. Well it must have passed the test, because on their second lap they neared and locked their wings down. It is truly a beautiful sight. I waited patiently to give the cue. A couple seconds after their wings were locked I yelled, "Take em!" Shots rang out, but only one duck fell. This was for sure a poor display of our shooting capabilities. You can practice and practice, but you will never simulate the adrenaline you get when those ducks drop their wings and it's go time. I fired 3 shots but only 1 bird was down. I couldn't remember where I even aimed because of my excitement. I quickly found my bird and got back into position. Although Billy and I enjoyed sitting and telling lies on the river bank, that was the only group of birds that came in.